Which place is cheaper, Guayaquil or Chiang Mai?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Chiang Mai or Guayaquil?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Chiang Mai and Guayaquil. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Chiang Mai or Guayaquil?
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is both the cultural center of northern Thailand and a launching point for trips into the rural areas, small towns, and lush jungles of the country's northern regions. Known for great food, historic temples, arts and crafts, and a lively night market, Chiang Mai is a very popular destination for travelers. In some areas, tourists and ex-pats dominate, but it's quite easy to get away from the tourist scene and into the real culture of Thailand, as Chiang Mai (and the surrounding countryside) is quite large.
Guayaquil
Guayaquil is Ecuador's largest city and seaport. From a tourist perspective, the city acts primarily as a transportation gateway to the country and the Galapagos Islands. While the city can be skipped altogether, should you have a free day to spend here, there are a few noteworthy things to do, as well as some terrific dining and nightlife options. Guayaquil’s main tourist attraction is Las Penas, a hill with old, colorfully painted buildings at the north end of the Malecon, where you can walk the 400 steps to the lighthouse at the top for good views of the city. The neighborhood is filled with cafes, bars, restaurants, and art galleries and is relatively safe. Other important sights include the Malecon 2000, a massive urban development project that has brought new life to the riverside in the city center and the Parque Seminario, filled with fountains, trees and iguanas, located at 10 de Agosto Ave and Chile Ave.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Thailand, The Best 3-Day Tours from Phuket, The Best G Adventures Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Ecuador.
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Chiang Mai Prices
Thailand PricesGuayaquil Prices
Ecuador Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChiang Mai $59Guayaquil $116
The average daily cost (per person) in Chiang Mai is $59, while the average daily cost in Guayaquil is $116. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Chiang Mai and Guayaquil in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChiang Mai $29Guayaquil $32
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChiang Mai $58Guayaquil $64
Compare Hotels in Chiang Mai and Guayaquil
Looking for a hotel in Chiang Mai or Guayaquil? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Chiang Mai Hotel Prices and Guayaquil Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Chiang Mai $4.04Guayaquil $15
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Chiang Mai
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Chiang Mai are as follows:
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Tuk Tuk Ride$1.22
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Moped Rental$5.47
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chiang Mai
Also for Chiang Mai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Sticky Waterfall Retreat and Chet Si Fountain Transfer: $23
- Siam Dragon cabaret show : Ticket & Optional Transfer: $25
- Shared Minivan Transfer to Chiang Mai and Mae Kampong Village: $13
- Shared AC Minivan Transfer Chiang Mai to Mon Jam (Return Option): $9.24
- Private Transfer from Chiang Mai to Pai Or Pai to Chiang Mai: $175
- Private Transfer from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai (one way only): $175
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX): $11
- Private Chiang Mai Airport Transfer to or from Mae Rim Hotels: $17
- Private Airport Transfer: Chiang Mai (CNX) ⇆ Chiang Mai Hotels: $15
- Hassle-Free Private Arrival Transfer from Chiang Mai Airport: $20
- 3 Days 2 Nights Slow Boat Transfer to Luang Prabang: $123
- Chiang Mai to Pai Shared Minivan Transfer with Hotel Pickup: $11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guayaquil
Also for Guayaquil, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Guayaquil hotels to Manta Cruise Port: $251
- Private Transfer from Manta Cruise Port to Guayaquil Airport(GYE): $227
- Private Transfer from Guayaquil Airport(GYE) to Manta Cruise Port: $227
- Private Transfer from Guayaquil city hotels to Manta Cruise Port: $227
- Private Transfer from Guayaquil to Cuenca: $104
- Private Transfer Guayaquil Airport GYE to Guayaquil by Car or Van: $48
- Departure Private Transfer: Guayaquil City to Guayaquil Airport: $48
- Guayaquil Airport (GYE) to Guayaquil hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $37
- Luxury VIP car transfers to hotels in Guayaquil and Ecuador: $30
- Private Airport Transfer from Guayaquil Airport to Hotel: $20
- Guayaquil PRIVATE Arrival Transfer from the Airport to Hotels: $20
- Guayaquil PRIVATE Departure Transfer from Hotels to the Airport.: $20
Is it cheaper to fly into Chiang Mai or Guayaquil?
Prices for flights to both Guayaquil and Chiang Mai change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayChiang Mai $20Guayaquil $50
Typical Food Prices in Chiang Mai
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Chiang Mai:
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Sit Down Dinner (for One)$5.93
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Roti Snack (Bread)$0.73
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Casual Breakfast$1.22
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$6.08
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Mangoes$0.91
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Coffee$1.52
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chiang Mai
For Chiang Mai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Chiang Mai Khantoke Dinner and Cultural Show Experience: $27
- Half-Day Thai Cooking Class at Organic Farm in Chiang Mai: $28
- Morning Thai cooking class: $28
- Evening Thai cooking class: $28
- Private Virtual Thai Cooking Class: $28
- Cooking class in organic garden and local market tour ThaiCottage: $29
- Khantoke Dinner at Old Chiang Mai Cultural Center: $29
- Half Day Evening Cooking Class with Market Tour in Chiang Mai: $30
- Half Day Morning Cooking Class with Market Tour in Chiang Mai: $30
- Baan Farm Thai Cooking School Chiangmai: $30
- Tomyumthai Cooking Class in Chiang Mai: $30
- Half-Day Thai Cuisine Cooking Experience in Chiang Mai: $30
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guayaquil
For Guayaquil, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Wagyu Cooking Class in Guayaquil: $135
- Cooking Class, Wine & Chocolate Experience: $174
- Half Day of Cooking and Chocolate at Cocoa Farm from Guayaquil: $175
- Gastronomic workshop tour, live cooking, Learn about the Ecuadorian culinary art: $200
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Chiang Mai $14Guayaquil $21
Typical Entertainment Prices in Chiang Mai
For Chiang Mai, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Thai Cooking Class$40
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Doi Suthep Entrance Ticket$1.82
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Kratong Lessons$3.04
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Pedicure$4.56
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Chiang Mai Museum (for Two)$5.47
Tours and Activities in Chiang Mai
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Chiang Mai.
- 1 Day Private Tour Doi Inthanon And Phachor Canyon: $163
- 1 Day Private Tour Unseen in Lamphun Province: $119
- 1 Day Private Tour White Temple and Renewed Doichang Coffee: $188
- 1 Day Sukhothai Historical Park from Chiang Mai Private Tour: $203
- 1 Day Trek and Bamboo Rafting Tour in Chiang Mai: $84
- 1 Day Trek and Sticky Waterfall Tour in Chiang Mai: $84
- 1 day Private Tour to Unseen Temple in Lampang: $144
- 10KM Inflatable Kayaking Adventure: $94
- 10KM Inflatable Kayaking and 3HR Trekking Adventure: $110
- 2 DAYS MOTORCYCLE ADVENTURE Chiang Mai Chiang Dao Route: $238
- 2 Days 1 Night Rem Village and Mountain Tour with Scooter: $259
- 2 Days Hiking Tour in Chiang Mai: $125
Tours and Activities in Guayaquil
For Guayaquil, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Astonishing Mangroves & Dry forest /Chocolate experience trip: $280
- Choco-Culture City Tour & Cacao Museum: $99
- Churute Mangroves and Birdwatching Tour Guayaquil: $220
- Cocoa and Tropical Fruits Farm with Fine Chocolate Experience: $144
- Cultural Tour of the Museums of Guayaquil: $35
- Excursion Day Zhagal Thermal Baths Tour from Guayaquil: $175
- From Cloud Forest/Waterfalls Private Tour & Lunch: $189
- Full Day Churute Howler Monkeys and Chocolate Tour: $276
- Full Day Dolphins Mangroves and Birdwatching Tour from Guayaquil: $231
- Full Day Private Churute Mangroves Reserve and Cocoa Farm Tour: $255
- Full-Day Cuenca and Traditional Craft Beer Tasting Tour: $250
- Guayaquil City Tour (3.5 Hours): Las Peñas & Iguana Park: $131
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayChiang Mai $7.53Guayaquil $17
Typical Alcohol Prices in Chiang Mai
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Chiang Mai are as follows:
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Wine$3.04
Sample the Local Flavors in Guayaquil
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Guayaquil:
- Wine Tasting Experience with Tasting Menu: $65
- Premium Wine Tasting and 3-Course Pairing Menu in Guayaquil.: $86
- Craft Brewery Tour with Tasting: $428
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chiang Mai and Guayaquil, we can see that Guayaquil is more expensive. And not only is Chiang Mai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Chiang Mai is in Asia and Guayaquil is in South America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Chiang Mai would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chiang Mai and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Guayaquil would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Guayaquil than you might in Chiang Mai.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Chiang Mai Expensive? and Is Guayaquil Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Chiang Mai or Guayaquil?
Guayaquil has a larger population, and is about 95% larger than the population of Chiang Mai. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Mai and Guayaquil, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
When is the best time to visit Chiang Mai or Guayaquil?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Guayaquil in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Chiang Mai and Guayaquil. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Chiang Mai year-round. Guayaquil attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Also, June to September is the rainy season in Chiang Mai. Guayaquil receives a lot of rain in the summer. Chiang Mai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Chiang Mai usually receives more rain than Guayaquil. Chiang Mai gets 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
In July, Chiang Mai is generally a little warmer than Guayaquil. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 30°C (86°F), and Guayaquil fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyChiang Mai 30°C (86°F)Guayaquil 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Guayaquil in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Chiang Mai as well as Guayaquil. Chiang Mai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Guayaquil throughout the year.
Also, November to February in Chiang Mai is the dry season. Chiang Mai receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Chiang Mai usually gets more rain in October than Guayaquil. Chiang Mai gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
Chiang Mai is a little warmer than Guayaquil in the autumn. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 29°C (83°F) in October, and Guayaquil fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberChiang Mai 29°C (83°F)Guayaquil 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Guayaquil in the Winter?
Both Guayaquil and Chiang Mai are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Chiang Mai throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Guayaquil because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in Chiang Mai is November to February. It rains a lot this time of the year in Guayaquil. In January, Chiang Mai usually receives less rain than Guayaquil. Chiang Mai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In the winter, Chiang Mai is cooler than Guayaquil. Typically, the winter temperatures in Chiang Mai in January average around 23°C (74°F), and Guayaquil averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryChiang Mai 23°C (74°F)Guayaquil 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Guayaquil in the Spring?
Both Guayaquil and Chiang Mai during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Chiang Mai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Guayaquil year-round.
June to September is the rainy season in Chiang Mai. Guayaquil gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Chiang Mai usually gets less rain in April than Guayaquil. Chiang Mai gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
Chiang Mai can become quite hot in the spring. In April, Chiang Mai is generally a little warmer than Guayaquil. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 31°C (88°F), and Guayaquil fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilChiang Mai 31°C (88°F)Guayaquil 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Guayaquil and Chiang Mai
| Chiang Mai | Guayaquil | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (74°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (78°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (83°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 220 mm (8.7 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (88°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| May | 31°C (87°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (86°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (86°F) | 161 mm (6.3 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (85°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (83°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (75°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.